231: A royal courtship (part 2)

A royal courtship (part 2)

"Until the murder case is solved, I believe it's best for both of you to be patient," Kaiser reasoned. "I do not, for a moment, approve of the two of you being behind a closed door. Not now, more than ever. And just as I respected your revelation, I expect you to respect this request of mine."0

"Of course, Your Excellency. I understand the importance of resolving the case before moving forward. We will wait. But please know that what we both want is for us to be husband and wife as soon as possible."

Kaiser nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, the second matter you wished to discuss?"

"It's about Andreas and Lady Larissa. They've been engaged for some time, but their relationship has been troubled. I believe it's time for them to have an open conversation about it once and for all."

Kaiser, who shared the same opinion, reluctantly nodded. "That too is untimely. I can ask Andreas to come to my estate and talk to Larissa."

"That wouldn't be ideal. The Archduchess is not helping the situation. An open, unbiased discussion is necessary. Somewhere Lady Larissa can make a final decision without external influence."

Adela glared at Sasha when her face showed curiosity. The shameless princess gestured with her hand afterward, as if asking about Larissa and Andreas. Brushing the gesture off, Adela refocused on the conversation inside Egon's house.

"Fine, but Larissa must not go alone. She shall be accompanied by her sister, and I must see you leave your house before she goes in."

"I assure you, I would never take advantage of Adela's presence in my home. I care deeply for her, and I will respect your wishes."

Adela smiled, grateful for Egon's consideration. She flushed slightly, thinking about the lines they had crossed, but knew that they wouldn't go beyond what was appropriate.

Kaiser's face softened ever so slightly as he glanced around Egon's spacious house. The thought that the last Emperor's grandson and Kaiser's daughter were about to unite in matrimony, and the fact that he learned about it in this spot, affected the Archduke deeply.

Egon winced as Kaiser's fist hit his chest. But Kaiser, aware that the Princess and his daughter were listening in on the conversation, gestured for Egon to remain silent about it.

"…Very well. Tell Andreas to expect them today. Once I see you leave your estate before sunset, they can proceed."

Touched by Egon's thoughtful consideration for her and her sister's happiness, Adela took a few steps away from the door, closed her eyes, and sent a short prayer to the universe.

Thank you for sending him my way.

"Looks like the conversation inside came to a close," Sasha commented softly and stepped back from the door, her curiosity satisfied for the moment. "I'm glad we heard that," Sasha admitted, her eyes twinkling with approval. "It seems Egon von Conradie is truly committed to you and your family's well-being."

Adela blushed slightly, "Please find the evidence you need to complete your investigation. I trust that Egon is innocent, and I hope you'll soon come to the same conclusion."

Sasha regarded Adela with professionalism. "Lady Adelaide, I assure you that my investigation will be thorough and fair. With your cooperation, the truth will come to light."

Both women turned their heads when Kaiser pushed the door open, his eyes finding Princess Sasha immediately, his demeanor shifting to one of formality and respect.

"Thank you for your presence and assistance in this matter. Your dedication to solving the murder case is commendable."

Sasha nodded with a smile, "Thank you, Kaiser."

"Farewell, then," Kaiser's attention turned to his daughter. "Follow me."

The Archduke stiffly walked towards the purple carriage parked by the trees of the eastern entrance, emblazoned with the falcon that fit the rest of the scenery so well, while Lady de Lanark silently followed him, stifling the smile she felt when the tug tried to pull her back to Egon's house.

He didn't wish to part with her either.

Opening the carriage door for Adela, the Archduke kept his blue eyes averted. "Please step inside. We need to have a talk."

"Yes, Father." She answered with a small voice.

Following her father's instructions, she entered the carriage then sat down across from him. Kaiser settled into his seat, and for a moment, silence loomed heavy between them until the carriage began to move, the sound of hooves on the cobblestone filling the air.

Kaiser sighed.

"You know how I feel about Egon, Adelaide. I won't deny that he's an honorable man, but the circumstances surrounding us are complicated."

Adela steeled herself, paling in the process. "I heard what the two of you spoke about, Father."

Kaiser frowned. "Did you really leave his proposal unanswered?"

Now was not the time to be frank about that. Egon was right to put things the way he did earlier.

"I… I wouldn't accept without your approval." She said, feeling satisfied at how the words came out, she did not lie to him. "Father, when you are not pleased with me, I feel very bad."

His hands turned into fists in his lap.

"You are one of the very few people I fully trust, Adelaide. Put yourself in my position. You have changed a lot recently. But to the degree that you let a man into your room and keep it away from me. Only for me to come and see you in his house all alone after that?"

She clutched her dress, "Being alone with him is a mistake. But truly…" She wanted to say that nothing inappropriate happened, but she blushed profusely instead before meeting his gaze once more. "Were you not the one to always say that mankind are no angels, and Monarchs are men and women who would make mistakes eventually?"

He looked deep into her eyes, searching for the truth and trying to understand her feelings and intentions.

"...Maybe my mistake was to think that you are perfect. That somehow, you would not repeat my mistakes or commit any of your own while you have me by your side."

Burdened by her father's words, she gave him a look that conveyed how she felt unfairly treated.

"You need to be very careful with him now. And don't tell anybody, not even your mother, about this proposal of his. This matter has to be learned through me and me alone," he said, pressing a hand to his temple and rubbing it. "Once we get home, I need you to take care of your sister."

"Of course, Father," Adela said, looking out the window where the houses of Lanark blurred against the passing scenery.

A big part of her wished that Egon could stay in the estate tonight too.

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